Obit: Nelson, Mary L. (1920 – 2015)

Contact: Gina Bower
Email: gina@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Nelson, Sampson, Thompson, Eckstrum, Kramas, Koehrnstedt

----Source: Marshfield, Wis. News Herald on Mar. 16, 2015

Nelson, Mary L. (29 AUG 1920 – 11 MAR 2015)

Mary Louise Nelson, 94, of Abbotsford, WI, passed away on Wednesday, March 11, 2015, in Verona, WI, surrounded by the love and support of her family.

Visitation will be held at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Curtiss, WI on Saturday, March 28, 2015 from 9:00 - 11:00. A memorial service will follow at 11:00. Interment will be at the Abbotsford Cemetery.

Mary was born in Curtiss, WI to Theodore and Victoria (Sampson) Thompson on August 29, 1920. She attended high school in Abbotsford, WI, then earned a bachelor degree in education from UW-La Crosse.

Mary was married on June 6, 1952 to Clarence "Bud" Nelson. They moved to the Nelson homestead just outside of Abbotsford, and proceeded to build their lives together. The couple was devoted to their six children, the community and each other.

Mary worked for over 40 years as a much-loved primary school teacher, the majority of which was in the Abbotsford school district. "Mrs. Nelson" will be remembered by hundreds of students as a great influence in their young lives.

Mary was an active member of the St. Paul's congregation and Ladies' Aid, the Retired Teachers' Organization and the Page Forward reading program. She enjoyed attending the sporting events of the local high school teams, and was an avid reader, gardener and bird watcher. Throughout her life, Mary's primary focus was her family, both immediate and extended, and will be fondly remembered by all.

Mary is preceded in death by her beloved husband Clarence "Bud" Nelson, by her parents, Theodore and Victoria Thompson, and her sister Ruth Ann Frank.

Mary is survived by her children Donald (Leslie) Nelson of Onalaska, WI, Dale (Judy) Nelson of Marshfield, WI, Karen (Eric) Eckstrum of Grantsburg, IL, Kathy Nelson of Madison, WI, Marcy (Paul) Kramas of Mosinee, WI, and Lori (Gary) Koehmstedt of Plover WI.

Mary's treasured grandchildren include Trenton Nelson and Melina Nelson (Don & Leslie), Nicole Winch and Ashley Winch (Dale & Judy), Nissa Eckstrum, Kirsten Eckstrum and Eric Eckstrum (Karen & Eric), Christopher Kramas, Abra Kramas, Savannah Kramas, Timothy Kramas, Ronald Kramas, and Angela Kramas (Marcy & Paul), and Megan Koehmstedt and Alex Koehmstedt (Lori & Gary).

In lieu of gifts of flowers, donations may be made to the Abbotsford Public Library.

Our heartfelt thanks go out to the Four Winds Nursing Home of Verona and Agrace Hospice Care of Madison for their care and support of Mary and her family.